How would the police be handled in a free society without government? The people of Egypt are giving us a glimpse.

The government police disappeared when the people needed them most, even as they were infamous for their brutality and unaccountability. In response, residents have started patrols to defend their families and neighborhoods from criminals. Given some time, one can imagine how these ad-hoc "neighborhood watch" groups could evolve into more professional security businesses, which could then compete to protect various neighborhoods, with unprofessional or ineffective firms being fired by the residents and the most professional and cost-efficient firms gaining market share.